Naples in a week: a journey through a timeless city

Visiting it will be a pleasure, doing it together with us, even more so. To make the most of it, remember that you can have the Naples Pass, which will give you access to discounts, attractions, public transport and more in a convenient and practical way.

So here is a collection of ideas on what to do during a week in Naples!

Start your journey by exploring the historic centre of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Stroll through the city's picturesque streets, discover its treasures, and lose yourself in the most hidden alleyways around Spaccanapoli.

Take a leisurely stroll through the city's chaotic and colourful streets and pay a visit to the Cathedral of Naples, where the blood of San Gennaro, the city's patron saint, is kept in a precious cruet. Discover the treasure of San Gennaro and enter the Royal Treasury Chapel, one of the finest examples of Baroque art in the city.

In the alleyways around it, stop for a good pizza a portafoglio, cross Via San Biagio dei Librai and reach the splendid Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, one of the city's most beautiful squares, where you can pay a visit to the Basilica of the same name, first of Gothic-Angevin and then Baroque architecture, rich in frescoes, paintings and stucco decorations.

From there you can quickly reach the Sansevero Chapel, famous for its incredible late Baroque sculptures such as the Veiled Christ, an absolute masterpiece from the mid 18th century.

On your second day in the city, you could choose to retrace some of the streets of the historic city centre and only after taking the metro at the art stations, why not pay a visit to "underground Naples". We are talking about a labyrinth of underground passages and tunnels that tell the secret history of the city. A history that has its roots in Roman antiquity, when volcanic tuff, easily excavated, was used to build the foundations of the city. Over the centuries, however, these cavities were expanded and exploited for a variety of purposes, becoming over time: shelters, cisterns for collecting water or oil, places of worship, and lazarettos during wars or epidemics.

Once you have visited this place that will leave you speechless, continue exploring the historical centre of the city and head towards Piazza del Plebiscito, one of the largest squares in Italy, where you can admire the city's ancient Royal Palace and the extraordinary Basilica of San Francesco da Paola.

Nearby, take a stroll along the city's charming seafront promenade and pay a visit to Castel dell'Ovo, an ancient castle overlooking the sea, full of legends and fascinating stories. You won't regret it!

When it comes to art and culture in Naples, you are truly spoilt for choice. So you can choose between a visit to the Capodimonte Museum, one of Italy's largest picture galleries, with a vast collection of works of art by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael, or a visit to the Vomero district where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Castel Sant'Elmo and the San Martino Museum, also a must-see.

The Capodimonte Museum not only has a unique collection but is also immersed in the greenery of the Real Bosco di Capodimonte, a true green lung of the city. Moreover, from the hill on which it is located you can admire beautiful views of the city of Naples, Vesuvius and the islands.

Talking about panoramas, we must not forget the Vomero district, easily reached in a few funicular stops (included in the Napoli Pass) that will take you to a lively place, full of shopping streets, greenery and also culture. In short, if you want to dedicate more time to art and culture, you are spoilt for choice!

Spend a day at Vesuvius and visiting the archaeological sites of Naples. If you are a fan of ancient history, remember that the city is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, one of the most important in the world for Roman history, which also houses a vast collection of artefacts from ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum and Stabia.

Speaking of which, book a visit to Pompeii (included in the Naples Pass) and discover the well-preserved ruins of this Roman city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Alternatively, visit the excavations of Herculaneum, another Roman city buried by the same eruption. If you have time to visit both, you will appreciate the different perspectives offered by the two cities.

Weather permitting, choose to 'climb' Vesuvius to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay of Naples and admire the volcano's crater. The trekking routes that allow you to reach the summit of the volcano are all signposted, but beware, even if the difficulty of the routes is average, you always need to rely on experts to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember also that although the whole volcano can be explored free of charge, the summit can be visited for a fee (reservation required).

Archaeology, beauty and nature are always present in Naples, as you will have seen from Vesuvius and the archaeological excavations. This is why we recommend a short walk from the Mergellina station of Line 2. Once out of the station, head towards the seafront and walk westwards following the string of bars and small chalets by the sea.

The walk will take you through the Mergellina area to the posillipo ascent, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the bay of Naples. There is a postcard-perfect balcony on the so-called '13 slopes' where ancient and modern merge with the beauty of the city.

Don't miss the nearby Parco vergiliano in Piedigrotta, which offers a number of special views of the city. It is also the traditional burial place of the poet Virgil, with a monument dedicated to him. And a little further afield you can also reach the Virgiliano Park (I know, it's easy to get confused) where you can admire the small island of Nisida and the entire Phlegrean area from above. Simply irresistible!

We have talked a lot about Art, Culture and Beauty, but a passage about the city's entertainment and nightlife areas is absolutely necessary. Food also plays its part in this context: of course, it is clear that you cannot leave Naples without tasting the real Neapolitan pizza, or even babas, sfogliatelle, and other traditional Neapolitan dishes. 

Explore the Mercato di Porta Nolana or the Mercato di Pignasecca, where you'll find fresh produce, fish, cheese and more. Spend the afternoon shopping in the Chiaia area, famous for its elegant shops and fashion boutiques.

Remember that Naples is also a city to be experienced, so take some time to wander around without a specific destination, discover hidden corners and interact with the locals. Enjoy your trip to Naples!

Spend a day exploring one of the beautiful islands of the Gulf: Procida, Ischia or Capri. Ischia is the largest, most populous, and most fun-filled island; it is famous for its thermal waters, beaches, and natural beauty, while Capri is equally known for its breathtaking landscapes, the Gardens of Augustus, and the famous Grotta Azzurra. A unique place that will make you fall in love with the sea in Naples.

Even the smallest of the three, Procida, can treat you to a day of unspoilt nature and a picturesque, colourful village. The Gulf of Naples is full of wonders and the Mediterranean Sea lights up deep blue in summer, perfect for a swim and a boat ride among these little wonders. In short, you are spoilt for choice: Here we go!